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We’re all doing what we can to stay healthy right now, for obvious reasons.

I don’t need to tell you that there’s a pandemic on.

One of the ways that people are staying on top of things, is by incorporating food into their diets that help the old immune system stay in decent shape.

Ginger has become pretty trendy because it has antibacterial properties, contains antioxidants, and can be used to treat the common cold and nausea.

It’s also great on sushi.

The demand for the root is so high at the moment, however, that prices have started to skyrocket.

According to Cape Town Etc, you’re looking at well over R300 a kilogram at the moment, and up to nearly R500, in some grocery stores.

“Ginger prices have been elevated for a while now – throughout all of last year the prices were very strong. In general, ginger’s price rises more strongly than that of any other vegetables and in fact, ginger has been the top performing vegetable in South Africa over the past few years,” a Lowveld ginger farmer told Fresh Plaza.

Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, told Business Insider SA, that there are a few factors at play:

“The recent surge in prices of both garlic and ginger is underpinned, in part, by a combination of factors. These include a strong domestic demand, slightly reduced domestic supply, and the weaker domestic currency in the case of imported product, amongst other factors,” says Sihlobo.

Whatever the reasons, Twitter isn’t pleased:

Cool so ginger is almost R500/kg now pic.twitter.com/zaM16NHlL6

— ☀️ sunny punani ☀️ (@areyou_jazz) January 22, 2021

Is crazy a 5kg box that I pay R300 on a normal day, is now going for R1500 from last week, Payed the same price today @JoburgMarket pic.twitter.com/99I4Fd1qE1

— Mogozi WA kasi (@Solomonmhaka) January 21, 2021

How did we get here 😳😳😩 pic.twitter.com/2LLXetynaY

— Miss Afro (@SaldanaGj) January 14, 2021

Anybody wanna buy the half a ginger I have in my fridge? I’ll give you a special price https://t.co/z8prEZ6NbL

— Thick thighs save lives (@Carmzjw) January 22, 2021

The price rise is so steep that the Competition Commission says it’s currently investigating the exorbitant prices, and has requested information from a number of national retail chains.

If found guilty of excessive pricing, retailers will be liable to pay fines.

For those who aren’t keen on withdrawing their life savings and heading off to the shop, there is the alternative to get your ginger fix through cold-pressed fruit juices.

There are two equally excellent options.

There’s the tasty blend of ginger, lemon, and apple juices, with the extra boost of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and E, in Sir Fruit’s Gingerade+.

If drinking a whole bottle of ginger goodness is not your vibe, get your fix by knocking back a health shot:

This combination of apple, ginger, and lemon can help reduce inflammation, soothe digestive issues, and enhance immune function.

Take it in the morning after your first cup of coffee for a bit of a boost.

Sorted.

The best part is that you don’t have to have an ‘encounter’ with someone in the fruit and veg aisle, over the last bit of reasonably priced ginger.

We are all on edge, and the last thing we need is to feature in a viral video involving swinging handbags at Woolies.

You can order both of the above from Sir Fruit, online.

You’re welcome.

[sources:capetownetc&businessinsider]